Research Progress on the Modification of Lithium Titanate Anode Materials

Along with the advancement of the global “carbon neutrality” goal, the rising demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields, and the restrictions of traditional graphite anodes such as lithium dendrite growth, low rate performance and short cycle life, the research of new anode materials is unequivocally imperative. Lithium titanate (LTO) is a promising material with its “zero-strain” structure, high capacity of lithium insertion, wide temperature tolerance and extremely long cycle life. However, its low lithium-ion diffusion rate and electronic conductance have restricted its practical application. Scientists have developed several modification techniques it to break this limitation. On the coating modification aspect, carbon coating can physically disperse LTO particles, suppress grain agglomeration and overgrowth, and reduce direct contact between the particles and the electrolyte, therefore lowering the side reaction frequency. Ion doping can adjust its electronic structure and crystal defects, in effect enhancing electronic conductivity and lithium-ion diffusion rate. Structural nanosizing may shorten the ion transportation route and increase the contact area between the electrode and electrolyte. This thesis summarizes the recent studies on LTO anode material modification in the expectation of offering a reference for future high-performance LTO material development.